U.S. patent application number 13/270163 was filed with the patent office on 2013-04-11 for modular protective cover with accessory slot for portable electronic device.
This patent application is currently assigned to AFC TRIDENT, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is John CHI, Yi-Chieh SU, Hong Lip YOW. Invention is credited to John CHI, Yi-Chieh SU, Hong Lip YOW.
Application Number | 20130088813 13/270163 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48041924 |
Filed Date | 2013-04-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130088813 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SU; Yi-Chieh ; et
al. |
April 11, 2013 |
MODULAR PROTECTIVE COVER WITH ACCESSORY SLOT FOR PORTABLE
ELECTRONIC DEVICE
Abstract
A protective cover for a portable electronic device that
includes a main body portion that is adapted to at least partially
surround and enclose a portable electronic device. The main body
portion includes a rear section that has an accessory slot defined
therein. The accessory slot removably receives an accessory
assembly that includes a base having an accessory mounted
thereto.
Inventors: |
SU; Yi-Chieh; (Chino,
CA) ; YOW; Hong Lip; (Chino, CA) ; CHI;
John; (Corona, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SU; Yi-Chieh
YOW; Hong Lip
CHI; John |
Chino
Chino
Corona |
CA
CA
CA |
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
AFC TRIDENT, INC.
Chino
CA
|
Family ID: |
48041924 |
Appl. No.: |
13/270163 |
Filed: |
October 10, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
361/679.01 ;
29/428 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 29/49826 20150115;
H05K 5/0217 20130101; G06F 1/1628 20130101; A45C 11/00 20130101;
A45C 2011/002 20130101; A45F 5/00 20130101; F16M 11/041
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
361/679.01 ;
29/428 |
International
Class: |
H05K 5/00 20060101
H05K005/00; B23P 11/00 20060101 B23P011/00 |
Claims
1. A protective cover for a portable electronic device, the cover
comprising: a main body portion adapted to at least partially
surround and enclose a portable electronic device, wherein the main
body portion includes a rear section that has an accessory slot
defined therein, wherein the accessory slot removably receives an
accessory assembly that includes a base having an accessory mounted
thereto.
2. The protective cover of claim 1 wherein the rear section
includes a first set of two receiving openings defined therein that
are positioned on opposite sides of the accessory slot, and wherein
the receiving openings receive first and second tabs that extend
outwardly from opposite sides of the base.
3. The protective cover of claim 2 wherein the receiving openings
each include a first portion and a second portion, wherein the
first and second tabs on the base define a first width from the
outer edge of the first tab to the outer edge of the second tab,
the first portions define a second width from the outer edge of the
first portion on one side of the accessory slot to the outer edge
of the first portion on the opposite side of the accessory slot,
and the second portions define a third width from the outer edge of
the second portion on one side of the accessory slot to the outer
edge of the second portion on the opposite side of the accessory
slot, wherein the second width is wider than the first width and
the third width is narrower than the first width, whereby the first
and second tabs can be inserted into the first portions and slid
into the second portions and under the rear section.
4. The protective cover of claim 3 wherein the accessory slot
includes one of a ridge or a groove and the base includes the other
of a ridge or a groove, whereby the ridge is received in the groove
to secure the base within the accessory slot.
5. The protective cover of claim 3 wherein the rear section
includes a second set of two receiving openings defined therein
that are positioned on opposite sides of the accessory slot, and
wherein the second set of receiving openings are adapted to receive
the first and second tabs that extend outwardly from opposite sides
of the base, whereby the accessory assembly is reversible.
6. The protective cover of claim 5 wherein the second set of
receiving openings each include a first portion and a second
portion, wherein the first and second tabs on the base define a
first width from the outer edge of the first tab to the outer edge
of the second tab, the first portions define a second width from
the outer edge of the first portion on one side of the accessory
slot to the outer edge of the first portion on the opposite side of
the accessory slot, and the second portions define a third width
from the outer edge of the second portion on one side of the
accessory slot to the outer edge of the second portion on the
opposite side of the accessory slot, wherein the second width is
wider than the first width and the third width is narrower than the
first width, whereby the first and second tabs can be inserted into
the first portions and slid into the second portions and under the
rear section.
7. The protective cover of claim 1 wherein the accessory is
selected from the group consisting of a kickstand, bicycle
handlebar mounting assembly, tripod mounting assembly and
windshield mounting assembly.
8. A protective cover for a portable electronic device, the cover
comprising: inner cushion enclosure adapted to at least partially
surround and enclose a portable electronic device, wherein the
inner cushion enclosure includes a back wall, two side walls, a top
pouch and a bottom pouch that all cooperate to define an interior
and a front screen opening, wherein the top pouch and the bottom
pouch include a groove defined in an outside surface thereof, and a
front shell that is received on and secured to the inner cushion
enclosure, wherein the front shell includes a front section that
has a front screen opening defined therein and rearwardly extending
top and bottom members, wherein the top member includes a hook
portion that is removably received in the groove in the top pouch
and the bottom member includes a hook portion that is removably
received in the groove in the bottom pouch.
9. The protective cover of claim 8 further comprising a back shell
that includes a rear section and two forwardly extending side
members that are removably secured to the front section of the
front shell.
10. The protective cover of claim 9 wherein the front section of
the front shell includes at least two grooves defined therein and
the side members of the back shell each include at least one tab
disposed thereon, wherein the grooves of the front shell cooperate
with the tabs of the back shell to secure the back shell to the
front shell.
11. The protective cover of claim 10 wherein the top and bottom
members of the front shell include grooves defined therein that
cooperate with tabs disposed on the rear section of the back shell
to secure the back shell to the front shell.
12. The protective cover of claim 9 wherein the rear section of the
back shell has an accessory slot defined therein, wherein the
accessory slot removably receives a base having an accessory
mounted thereto.
13. The protective cover of claim 12 wherein the rear section
includes a first set of two receiving openings defined therein that
are positioned on opposite sides of the accessory slot, and wherein
the receiving openings receive first and second tabs that extend
outwardly from opposite sides of the base.
14. The protective cover of claim 13 wherein the receiving openings
each include a first portion and a second portion, wherein the
first and second tabs on the base define a first width from the
outer edge of the first tab to the outer edge of the second tab,
the first portions define a second width from the outer edge of the
first portion on one side of the accessory slot to the outer edge
of the first portion on the opposite side of the accessory slot,
and the second portions define a third width from the outer edge of
the second portion on one side of the accessory slot to the outer
edge of the second portion on the opposite side of the accessory
slot, wherein the second width is wider than the first width and
the third width is narrower than the first width, whereby the first
and second tabs can be inserted into the first portions and slid
into the second portions and under the rear section.
15. The protective cover of claim 14 wherein the accessory slot
includes one of a ridge or a groove and the base includes the other
of a ridge or a groove, whereby the ridge is received in the groove
to secure the base within the accessory slot.
16. A method of assembling a protective cover for a portable
electronic device, the method comprising the steps of: a)
purchasing an inner cushion enclosure adapted to at least partially
surround and enclose the portable electronic device, wherein the
inner cushion enclosure is made of a relatively flexible material
and includes a back wall, two side walls, a top pouch and a bottom
pouch that all cooperate to define an interior and a front screen
opening, b) covering the portable electronic device with the inner
cushion enclosure, c) purchasing a front shell that is made of a
relatively hard material, and d) securing the front shell to the
inner cushion enclosure.
17. The method of claim 16 further comprising the steps of
purchasing a back shell that is made of a relatively hard material,
and securing the back shell to the front shell.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein the top pouch and the bottom
pouch of the inner cushion enclosure each include a groove defined
in an outside surface thereof, wherein the front section of the
front shell has a front screen opening defined therein and
rearwardly extending top and bottom members that each include a
hook portion, and wherein the method further comprises the step of
inserting the hook section of the top member into the groove in the
top pouch and inserting the hook section of the bottom member into
the groove in the bottom pouch.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein the rear section of the back
shell includes two forwardly extending side members that each
include at least one tab disposed thereon, and the front section of
the front shell includes at least two grooves defined therein, and
wherein the method further comprises the step of inserting the tabs
into the grooves to secure the back shell to the front shell.
20. The method of claim 17 wherein back shell includes a rear
section that has an accessory slot defined therein, and wherein the
method further comprises the step of inserting an accessory
assembly into the accessory slot.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention is directed to a protective cover for a
portable electronic device and more particularly to a modular
protective cover with an accessory slot for a portable electronic
device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Over the past decade or so, mobile phones have become
ubiquitous and are almost a necessity. Therefore, the protection of
mobile phones from damage has become important. In particular, many
people drop and break there phones, which causes them to have to
spend money to buy a new phone. Accordingly, covers and the like
for protecting mobile phones have become popular. For example, see
U.S. Pat. No. 7,933,122, issued on Apr. 26, 2011, the entirety of
which is incorporated herein by reference. Furthermore, mobile
phones are often used for more than telephone calls. For example,
mobile phones can be used for GPS navigation, viewing movies and
playing video games, etc. Accessories that make such uses easier
are desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0003] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a protective cover for a portable electronic
device that includes a main body portion that is adapted to at
least partially surround and enclose a portable electronic device.
The main body portion includes a rear section that has an accessory
slot defined therein. The accessory slot removably receives an
accessory assembly that includes a base having an accessory mounted
thereto.
[0004] In a preferred embodiment, the rear section includes a first
set of two receiving openings defined therein that are positioned
on opposite sides of the accessory slot that receive first and
second tabs that extend outwardly from opposite sides of the base.
Preferably, the receiving openings each include a first portion and
a second portion. The first and second tabs on the base define a
first width from the outer edge of the first tab to the outer edge
of the second tab, the first portions define a second width from
the outer edge of the first portion on one side of the accessory
slot to the outer edge of the first portion on the opposite side of
the accessory slot, and the second portions define a third width
from the outer edge of the second portion on one side of the
accessory slot to the outer edge of the second portion on the
opposite side of the accessory slot. The second width is wider than
the first width and the third width is narrower than the first
width, such that the first and second tabs can be inserted into the
first portions and slid into the second portions and under the rear
section.
[0005] In a preferred embodiment, the accessory slot includes one
of a ridge or a groove and the base includes the other of a ridge
or a groove. The ridge is received in the groove to secure the base
within the accessory slot. Preferably, the rear section includes a
second set of two receiving openings defined therein that are
positioned on opposite sides of the accessory slot. The second set
of receiving openings are adapted to receive the first and second
tabs that extend outwardly from opposite sides of the base, such
that the accessory assembly is reversible. In a preferred
embodiment, the accessory is selected from the group consisting of
a kickstand, bicycle handlebar mounting assembly, tripod mounting
assembly and windshield mounting assembly.
[0006] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a
[0007] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a protective cover for a portable electronic
device that includes an inner cushion enclosure adapted to at least
partially surround and enclose a portable electronic device and a
front shell that is received on and secured to the inner cushion
enclosure. The inner cushion enclosure includes a back wall, two
side walls, a top pouch and a bottom pouch that all cooperate to
define an interior and a front screen opening. The top pouch and
the bottom pouch include a groove defined in an outside surface
thereof. The front shell includes a front section that has a front
screen opening defined therein and rearwardly extending top and
bottom members. The top member includes a hook portion that is
removably received in the groove in the top pouch and the bottom
member includes a hook portion that is removably received in the
groove in the bottom pouch.
[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the protective cover further
includes a back shell that includes a rear section and two
forwardly extending side members that are removably secured to the
front section of the front shell. Preferably, the front section of
the front shell includes at least two grooves defined therein and
the side members of the back shell each include at least one tab
disposed thereon. The grooves of the front shell cooperate with the
tabs of the back shell to secure the back shell to the front shell.
In a preferred embodiment, the top and bottom members of the front
shell include grooves defined therein that cooperate with tabs
disposed on the rear section of the back shell to secure the back
shell to the front shell. In a preferred embodiment, the rear
section of the back shell has an accessory slot defined therein
that removably receives a base having an accessory mounted
thereto.
[0009] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a method of assembling a protective cover for a
portable electronic device. The method includes the steps of
purchasing an inner cushion enclosure made of a relatively flexible
material that includes a back wall, two side walls, a top pouch and
a bottom pouch that all cooperate to define an interior and a front
screen opening, covering the portable electronic device with the
inner cushion enclosure, purchasing a front shell that is made of a
relatively hard material, and securing the front shell to the inner
cushion enclosure. In a preferred embodiment, the method further
includes the steps of purchasing a back shell that is made of a
relatively hard material, and securing the back shell to the front
shell.
[0010] Preferably, the top pouch and the bottom pouch of the inner
cushion enclosure each include a groove defined in an outside
surface thereof and the front section of the front shell has a
front screen opening defined therein and rearwardly extending top
and bottom members that each include a hook portion. The method
further includes inserting the hook section of the top member into
the groove in the top pouch and inserting the hook section of the
bottom member into the groove in the bottom pouch. In a preferred
embodiment, the rear section of the back shell includes two
forwardly extending side members that each include at least one tab
disposed thereon, and the front section of the front shell includes
at least two grooves defined therein. The method further includes
inserting the tabs into the grooves to secure the back shell to the
front shell. Preferably, the back shell includes a rear section
that has an accessory slot defined therein, and the method further
includes inserting an accessory assembly into the accessory
slot.
[0011] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following
detailed description. It is to be understood, however, that the
detailed description of the various embodiments and specific
examples, while indicating preferred and other embodiments of the
present invention, are given by way of illustration and not
limitation. Many changes and modifications within the scope of the
present invention may be made without departing from the spirit
thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The invention may be more readily understood by referring to
the accompanying drawings in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a modular protective cover
assembly for a portable electronic device disposed on a mobile
phone in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is an exploded rear perspective view of the modular
protective cover assembly of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the inner cushion
enclosure of the modular protective cover assembly of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of the inner cushion
enclosure of the modular protective cover assembly of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the front shell of the
modular protective cover assembly of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a rear elevational view of the front shell of the
modular protective cover assembly of FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the back shell of the
modular protective cover assembly of FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a rear elevational view of the back shell of the
modular protective cover assembly of FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 9A is a rear perspective view of the modular protective
cover assembly of FIG. 1 with a kickstand assembly in the accessory
slot;
[0022] FIG. 9B is a cross-section of the kickstand assembly and
accessory slot taken along line 9A-9A of FIG. 9B.
[0023] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the modular protective
cover assembly of FIG. 1 with a bicycle handlebar mounting assembly
in the accessory slot;
[0024] FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of the modular protective
cover assembly of FIG. 1 with a tripod mounting assembly in the
accessory slot; and
[0025] FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of the modular protective
cover assembly of FIG. 1 with a windshield mounting assembly in the
accessory slot.
[0026] Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several
views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] The following description and drawings are illustrative and
are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are
described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure.
However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details
are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description.
References to one or an embodiment in the present disclosure can
be, but not necessarily are references to the same embodiment; and,
such references mean at least one of the embodiments.
[0028] Reference in this specification to "one embodiment" or "an
embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is
included in at least one embodiment of the-disclosure. The
appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in
the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same
embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually
exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are
described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by
others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be
requirements for some embodiments but not other embodiments.
[0029] The terms used in this specification generally have their
ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure,
and in the specific context where each term is used. Certain terms
that are used to describe the disclosure are discussed below, or
elsewhere in the specification, to provide additional guidance to
the practitioner regarding the description of the disclosure. For
convenience, certain terms may be highlighted, for example using
italics and/or quotation marks: The use of highlighting has no
influence on the scope and meaning of a term; the scope and meaning
of a term is the same, in the same context, whether or not it is
highlighted. It will be appreciated that the same thing can be said
in more than one way.
[0030] Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used
for any one or more of the terms discussed herein. Nor is any
special significance to be placed upon whether or not a term is
elaborated or discussed herein. Synonyms for certain terms are
provided. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the
use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this
specification including examples of any terms discussed herein is
illustrative only, and is not intended to further limit the scope
and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term. Likewise,
the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in this
specification.
[0031] Without intent to further limit the scope of the disclosure,
examples of instruments, apparatus, methods and their related
results according to the embodiments of the present disclosure are
given below. Note that titles or subtitles may be used in the
examples for convenience of a reader, which in no way should limit
the scope of the disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, all
technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as
commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which
this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, the present
document, including definitions, will control.
[0032] It will be appreciated that terms such as "front," "back,"
"top," "bottom," "left," "right," "above," and "side" used herein
are merely for ease of description and refer to the orientation of
the components as shown in the figures. It should be understood
that any orientation of the components described herein is within
the scope of the present invention.
[0033] As shown in FIGS. 1-13, the present invention is preferably
directed to a modular protective cover assembly 10 for a hand-held
electronic device or the like. In the figures, the hand-held
electronic device is a mobile phone 100. However, this is not a
limitation on the present invention and the protective cover
assembly 10 can be used with any type of portable electronic
device, including personal digital assistants (PDAs), computers,
tablets, notebooks, smartphones, mobile phones, satellite phones,
cellular phones, pagers, music players, MP3 players, media players,
digital cameras, video cameras, global positioning system devices
(GPS), portable game consoles and the like.
[0034] In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the assembly
10 generally includes a front shell 12, a back shell 14, and an
inner cushion enclosure 18. Generally, the phone 100 is enclosed
within the cushion enclosure 18 so that the screen 110 (and the
keyboard, if present) of the phone are exposed through a screen
opening 18a in the cushion enclosure 18. The front and back shells
12 and 14 are secured over the cushion enclosure 18 to form the
protective cover assembly 10, as is shown in FIG. 1. When fully
assembled, the protective cover assembly at least partially and
substantially surrounds and provides protection for phone 100.
[0035] As shown in FIGS. 2-4, in a preferred embodiment, the
cushion enclosure 18 is made of a relatively flexible material such
as a thermoplastic, rubber, silicon, urethane, or other material
that is capable of stretching sufficiently to allow the phone 100
fit inside of the cushion enclosure 18. The cushion enclosure 18
generally includes a back wall 20, two side walls 22, a top pouch
24 and a bottom pouch 26 that all cooperate to define an interior
28 that receives the phone 100 and provides cushioning in a drop
situation and fits snugly over the phone 100. As shown best in FIG.
2, the cushion enclosure 18 includes an accessory recess 34, the
purpose of which will be described below. It will be understood
that the top and bottom pouches 24 and 26 can just be walls that
cover the bottom and top of the phone.
[0036] It will be understood that the protective cover assembly 10
can be modified for different phone models and other portable
electronic device models. Accordingly, the cushion enclosure 18 may
include pads that are a part of or are connected to the cushion
enclosure 18 to allow actuation of switches, buttons or the like
that are on the phone 100. The pads can then be depressed by a user
to activate a tilt switch or push button switch, such as pads 30
that are positioned to allow a user to operate switches on the
phone 100. In another embodiment, the pads can be omitted and an
opening can allow access to buttons or switches on the phone. Other
pads or openings (such as speaker opening 32 and charger opening
39) can also be incorporated in the stretchable cushion layer that
allow a user to interface with various controls on the phone
100.
[0037] Preferably, the front and back shells 12 and 14 are made of
a relatively hard material, such as an ABS material, propylene, a
polycarbonate, thermoplastics, metals, composite materials, and
other rigid materials used in injection molding and the like. It
will be understood that assembly 10 can be used and designed
differently for different types of phones or similar devices.
Accordingly, front and back shells 12 and 14 can include different
openings, slots, etc. for access to buttons, switches, cameras and
the like on different phones.
[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the back shell 14 includes "soft
components" that are made of a similar material to the cushion
enclosure 18. These components can be glued to the back shell 14
and used to plug, fill or cover openings in the back shell 14 to
protect openings in the phone 100 (such as the charger opening or
other mini or micro USB openings, or a multi-media opening, etc.).
For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the back shell 14 can include
slots 27 and adjacent openings 29 defined therein for gluing or
otherwise adhering tabs 31 that allow soft covers 33 to be pivotal
within openings 29. In a preferred embodiment, the soft covers 33
are friction fit within openings 29. For example, in a preferred
embodiment, back shell 14 includes a charger opening 29, which is
covered by a pivotal cover 33, in the side 22 thereof that allows a
charger to be inserted into the charging/docking port of phone
100.
[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the cushion enclosure 18, front
shell 12 and back shell 14 are modular and sold separately. In
other words, a user can purchase the cushion enclosure 18 by itself
and use it to protect and enclose a phone. Then, if the user
desires, he/she can purchase separately the front shell 12, which
is designed to fit on and be retained by the cushion enclosure 18,
as shown in FIG. 9. Lastly, the user can purchase separately the
back shell 14, which is designed to connect with the front shell 12
to form the complete assembly 10. In this embodiment, the steps for
forming the assembly 10 include purchasing the cushion enclosure
18, enclosing the phone in the cushion enclosure 18, purchasing the
front shell 12, securing the front shell 12 on the cushion
enclosure, purchasing the back shell 14, and securing the back
shell 14 to the front shell 12 and over the cushion enclosure 18.
It will be understood that in other embodiments the steps above can
be rearranged. For example, the assembly 10 can be designed to
allow the back shell 14 to fit on the cushion enclosure 18 first
before securing the front shell 12 thereon. In another embodiment,
the entire assembly 10 can be sold as a unit. In another
embodiment, the user can purchase only the back shell 14 to cover a
phone, or the front shell 12, to cover a phone.
[0040] The method of connecting the front and back shells 12 and 14
to one another or to the cushion enclosure 18 is not a limitation
on the present invention. It may be done via snap fit, tabs, or
other known methods. The assembly of the front shell 12 and back
shell 14 form an assembled hard shell housing 40. It will be
understood that housing 40 is preferably sized and shaped to form a
rigid cover for the cushion enclosure 18.
[0041] As is best shown in FIGS. 2 and 5-6, in a preferred
embodiment, the front shell 12 includes a front section 35 (that
includes a front opening 42 defined therein) and rearwardly
extending top and bottom members 36 and 38, that cooperate to
secure the front shell 12 onto the front of cushion enclosure 18.
In a preferred embodiment, the top and bottom members 36 and 38
each include a hook portion 36a and 38a that is received in a
groove 44 on the back 20 of the cushion enclosure 18. In another
embodiment, there may be several separate hook portions that are
received in a single groove 44 or separate grooves 44. In another
embodiment, the front section 35 can include tabs, grooves or snaps
that cooperate with corresponding features on the cushion enclosure
18, to help secure the front shell 12 to the cushion enclosure
18.
[0042] As is best shown in FIGS. 2 and 7-8, in a preferred
embodiment, the back shell 14 includes a rear section 46 and two
forwardly extending side members 48 and 50. In a preferred
embodiment, the side members 48 and 50 include a series of tabs 52
thereon that cooperate with grooves 54 in the front section 35 of
the front shell 14 to secure the back shell 12 to the front shell
14. In a preferred embodiment, the rear section 46 of the back
shell 12 also include tabs 52 thereon that cooperate with grooves
54 in top and bottom members 36 and 38 of the front shell 14 to
secure the back shell 12 to the front shell 14. In another
embodiment, the tabs and grooves can be reversed.
[0043] In another embodiment, the cushion enclosure 18 can be made
of a hard material, such as plastic or the like and the front and
back shells 12 and 14 can be made of a relatively flexible
material, such as silicon or rubber. In an embodiment, the cushion
enclosure 18 and the front and back shells 12 and 14 can be made of
the same material.
[0044] As shown in FIGS. 8-13, in a preferred embodiment, the back
shell 14 includes an accessory slot 56. It will be understood that
any number of accessories can be secured in the accessory slot 56
because the accessories are mounted on a base 57 that is received
and secured in slot 56. In a preferred embodiment, the accessory
slot 56 includes at least one set of receiving openings 58. In the
embodiment shown in the figures, the slot 56 includes two sets of
receiving openings 58 so that an accessory mounted in the slot 56
can be reversed as desired. As shown in FIG. 8, the first and
second (or top and bottom) receiving openings 58 include a first
portion 58a and a second portion 58b and are designed to receive
tabs 60 that extend outwardly from the base 57 and more preferably
from a bottom surface 57a of the base 57. It will be understood
that with this arrangement, the first portion 58a is at a higher
level than the second portion 58b, as is shown in FIG. 2, so that
the tabs 60 can be slid under the rear section when they are slid
into the second portions 58b.
[0045] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10B, in a preferred embodiment, the
tabs 60 on the base 57 define a first width W1 from the outer edge
of one tab 60 to the outer edge of the other tab 60, the first
portions 58a define a second width from the outer edge of the first
portion 58a on one side of the accessory slot 56 to the outer edge
of the first portion 58a on the opposite side of the accessory slot
56, and the second portions 58b define a third width W3 from the
outer edge of the second portion 58b on one side of the accessory
slot 56 to the outer edge of the second portion 58b on the opposite
side of the accessory slot 56. Preferably, the second width W2 is
wider than the first width W1 and the third width W3 is narrower
than the first width W1. This allows the tabs 60 to be inserted
into the first portions 58a and slid into the second portions 58b
and under the rear section 46.
[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the accessory slot 56 includes a
ridge 62 thereon that cooperates with a groove 64 in the bottom
surface 57a of the base 57 to secure or lock the base 57 in place
within accessory slot 56. In another embodiment, slot 56 can
include multiple ridges and bottom surface 57a can include multiple
grooves. In another embodiment, the ridge can be on the bottom
surface 57a and the groove can be on the accessory slot 56. Other
features for locking the base 57 in the accessory slot 56 are
within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be
understood that the accessory recess 34 in the cushion enclosure 18
receives the accessory slot 56 when the back shell 14 is secured on
the cushion enclosure 18 and the accessory recess 34 allows the
tabs 60 to slide along the second portion 58b.
[0047] FIGS. 10A and 10B show the accessory to be mounted in the
accessory slot 56 as a kickstand 66 that is hingedly mounted on the
base 57. FIG. 10B is a cross-section of just the base 57 and tabs
60 mounted in the accessory slot 56. To mount the kickstand 66 (the
kickstand 66 together with the base 57 are referred to herein as a
kickstand assembly), the tabs 60 are inserted into the first
portions 58a in a first direction and are then slid or moved in a
second direction (which is generally perpendicular to the first
direction) until the ridge 62 is received in groove 64, thereby
locking the base 57 in place. It will be appreciated by those
skilled in the art that with this arrangement, the kickstand 66 and
base 57 are removable so that another accessory can be positioned
in the accessory slot 56 as desired.
[0048] FIGS. 10A-13 include examples of other accessories that can
be used in the accessory slot 56. It will be understood that each
of these accessories include base 57 that allows the accessory to
be docked with the accessory slot 56. FIG. 11 is a rear perspective
view of the modular protective cover assembly 10 with a bicycle
handlebar mounting assembly 70 in the accessory slot 56. Bicycle
handlebar mounting assembly 70 can be used to secure a phone 100
and the protective cover assembly 10 to a handle bar or other
tubular object so that a user can read maps, use GPS, when desired.
The bicycle handlebar mounting assembly 70 generally includes base
57, a rotary dial 72, clamp 74, hinge 76, threaded fastener 78 and
elastomeric gasket 80. The rotary dial 72 fastens the assembly 70
against back shell 14 and allows rotational adjustability. To
secure the assembly 70 to a handlebar, threaded fastener 78 is
unscrewed so that the two halves of clamp 74 can be hinged apart.
The clamp 74 is then placed over a tube and the threaded fastener
78 is reinserted into a threaded opening (not shown) and the clamp
74 is tightened down to secure the assembly 70 (and phone and cover
assembly 10) in place. The gasket 80 provides grip on the tube.
[0049] FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of the modular protective
cover assembly 10 with a tripod mounting assembly 82 in the
accessory slot 56. Tripod mounting assembly 82 generally includes
base 57, a handle 84 with a threaded female tripod connection
receiving opening 85 therein. In a preferred embodiment, the handle
84 is knurled and includes a indentation where a user's fingers can
be placed while taking a picture. Opening 85 can be used to mount
the phone 100 and assembly 10 to a tripod or other object that
includes a threaded male fastener.
[0050] FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of the modular protective
cover assembly 10 with a windshield/flat surface mounting assembly
86 in the accessory slot 56. The windshield/flat surface mounting
assembly 86 generally includes base 57, a socket member 88, ball
90, latch 92 and suction cup 94. As is known in the art, ball 90 is
received in socket member 88 and latch 92 is used to hingedly latch
suction cup 94 to a windshield or the like. The arrangement of ball
90 and socket member 88 allows for pivotal adjustment of phone 100
and assembly 10.
[0051] The accessories described herein are not limitations on the
present invention. Other accessories can be used in combination
with base 57 and accessory slot 56. Other accessories, for example,
may be a light, a magnet, a container, a cup holder, etc.
[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the back shell 14 and at least
one accessory are sold as a kit. For example, the back shell 14 can
be sold with the kickstand assembly. In another embodiment, the
back shell 14 can be sold with more than one accessory. In another
embodiment, assembly 10 can be sold with one or more
assemblies.
[0053] In another embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 1, the assembly
10 can include a front cover portion 16 that covers and protects
the screen 110 and any keys. The front cover portion 16 can be
loose or secured to the inner surface of the front shell 12 such
that it covers a screen opening 42 defined in the front shell 12 or
secured in the inner cushion enclosure 18. However, this is not a
limitation on the present invention. The front cover portion 16 can
be made from a soft, plastic layer such as a soft, thin Lexan
(polycarbonate), PVC, urethane, or silicon material that can be
molded, such as by thermoforming, casting, stretching, heating, or
injection molding, or otherwise shaped to fit to screen 110 of the
phone 100 and/or other surfaces of the phone 100. The front cover
portion 16 may be made from a single material or multiple materials
that are welded, glued or formed together into a single sheet or
membrane. For example, for the portion of the front cover portion
16 that is disposed over the display screen 110, it may be
desirable to use a clear, thin, hard layer of glass or plastic to
provide a clear, transparent material over the display screen that
protects the display screen from scratches. The other part of the
front cover portion 16 may be made of a thin layer of Lexan
(polycarbonate), PVC or a silicon material that is flexible so that
a keyboard and other buttons may be pressed through the screen
protective portion 16.
[0054] In another embodiment for a phone with a keyboard, the front
cover portion 16 may be made so that it is open to allow direct
access to the keyboard, while the screen 110 is covered. In
addition, various portions of the front cover portion 16 can be
made clear, translucent, opaque or any desired color, or any
combination of these alternatives. The front cover portion 16 is
shown as covering a front portion of the phone 100, but can also be
made to wrap around a portion of, or all of, the backside of the
phone 100 and be at least partially sealed together, especially if
a self-adhering material is used for the front cover portion 16.
For example, if a camera is included on the backside of the phone
100, a clear portion of the front cover portion 16 can be used to
cover a camera lens (not shown). The front cover portion 16 can
also have some elasticity so that it fits tightly to the phone 100.
The front cover portion 16 can be thermoformed or otherwise molded
to fit the specific shape of all, or a portion of, the surfaces of
the phone 100, to provide a tight, form fit to the phone 100. The
molding or thermoforming process can be quickly and easily
performed by simply generating a mold of the surfaces of the phone
100 to be covered and using that mold to generate a thermoforming
mold or other mold. In this manner, a precisely formed membrane
that fits tightly to the surfaces of the phone 100 can be simply
and easily formed. Overlapping flaps (not shown) can also help to
seal the membrane to the electronic device.
[0055] In a preferred embodiment, the molded, snug fit of the front
cover portion 16 to the phone 100, as well as the tight fit of the
cushion enclosure 18, front shell 12 and back shell 14 to the phone
100 and/or to each other, helps to seal the phone 100 within the
protective cover assembly 10. Further, the tight fit of the
stretchable cushion enclosure 18 also helps to keep water, dirt and
dust out.
[0056] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout
the description and the claims, the words "comprise," "comprising,"
and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed
to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense
of "including, but not limited to." As used herein, the terms
"connected," "coupled," or any variant thereof, means any
connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or
more elements; the coupling of connection between the elements can
be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the
words "herein," "above," "below," and words of similar import, when
used in this application, shall refer to this application as a
whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where
the context permits, words in the above Detailed Description of the
Preferred Embodiments using the singular or plural number may also
include the plural or singular number respectively. The word "or"
in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the
following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the
list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the
items in the list.
[0057] The above-detailed description of embodiments of the
disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
teachings to the precise form disclosed above. While specific
embodiments of and examples for the disclosure are described above
for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are
possible within the scope of the disclosure, as those skilled in
the relevant art will recognize. For example, while processes or
blocks are presented in a given order, alternative embodiments may
perform routines having steps, or employ systems having blocks, in
a different order, and some processes or blocks may be deleted,
moved, added, subdivided, combined, and/or modified to provide
alternative or subcombinations. Each of these processes or blocks
may be implemented in a variety of different ways. Also, while
processes or blocks are at times shown as being performed in
series, these processes or blocks may instead be performed in
parallel, or may be performed, at different times. Further any
specific numbers noted herein are only examples: alternative
implementations may employ differing values or ranges.
[0058] The teachings of the disclosure provided herein can be
applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described
above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described
above can be combined to provide further embodiments.
[0059] Any patents and applications and other references noted
above, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing
papers, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
Aspects of the disclosure can be modified, if necessary, to employ
the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references
described above to provide yet further embodiments of the
disclosure.
[0060] These and other changes can be made to the disclosure in
light of the above Detailed Description of the Preferred
Embodiments. While the above description describes certain
embodiments of the disclosure, and describes the best mode
contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the
teachings can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may
vary considerably in its implementation details, while still being
encompassed by the subject matter disclosed herein. As noted above,
particular terminology used when describing certain features or
aspects of the disclosure should not be taken to imply that the
terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any
specific characteristics, features or aspects of the disclosure
with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms
used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the
disclosures to the specific embodiments disclosed in the
specification unless the above Detailed Description of the
Preferred Embodiments section explicitly defines such terms.
Accordingly, the actual scope of the disclosure encompasses not
only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of
practicing or implementing the disclosure under the claims.
[0061] While certain aspects of the disclosure are presented below
in certain claim forms, the inventors contemplate the various
aspects of the disclosure in any number of claim forms. For
example, while only one aspect of the disclosure is recited as a
means-plus-function claim under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112, 6, other
aspects may likewise be embodied as a means-plus-function claim, or
in other forms, such as being embodied in a computer-readable
medium. (Any claims intended to be treated under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.112, 6 will begin with the words "means for"). Accordingly,
the applicant reserves the right to add additional claims after
filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for
other aspects of the disclosure.
[0062] Accordingly, although exemplary embodiments of the invention
have been shown and described, it is to be understood that all the
terms used herein are descriptive rather than limiting, and that
many changes, modifications, and substitutions may be made by one
having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention.
* * * * *